Asset Acceptance Corporation: Junk Debt Collection at Its Worst

The publicly traded Asset Acceptance Corporation is a junk debt buyer whose collection tactics have been deemed some of the worst in the nation. According to debt collection consumer advocate Bud Hibbs, Asset Acceptance Corporation “lies, steals, cheats, misrepresents, files bogus claims, creates phony documents and commits perjury in the court system just to increase their bottom line.” While these are bold statements, consumer comments posted on the site seem to agree that Asset Acceptance Corporation indeed subjects consumers to debt collection harassment.

Debt Collection Gone Wrong

While no one likes to become delinquent on their debts, it happens to millions of Americans every year. Debt collection companies attempt to collect that debt and often succeed in coming up with amicable solutions to consumers’ debt issues. However, debt collection companies known as junk debt buyers or zombie creditors – those who purchase uncollected debts at pennies on the dollar – often use scare tactics and harassment to collect debts from unsuspecting consumers. It’s what many consumer advocates call “debt collection gone wrong.”

Debt Collection Consumer Advocate Bud Hibbs

Bud Hibbs, a debt collection consumer advocate and consultant for over 25 years who has written several books, is approved to teach CLE (Continuing Legal Education) courses through the State Bar of Texas and has appeared in numerous radio and television programs including The Oprah Winfrey Show, says that companies like Asset Acceptance Corporation, “purchase old portfolios of mostly worthless charged-off accounts for pennies on the dollar. Once owned, they appear to inflate the value of the portfolio, send out dunning notices and try to collect at a ridiculous profit.”

Consumer Comments

Hibbs’ website, lists comments from actual consumers who were duped by AAC. Here are some of those comments:

• I was sued by these people in 2006 after making payment arrangements with them. I made arrangements to settle the account in November of 2005, but I requested everything in writing. Of course, that never happened. When I tried calling them to pay the debt, they came up with many reasons why they could not accept a payment. I kept calling and they kept refusing to talk to me. Why? No clue. They responded to my last phone call by serving me with papers!
• This company has been calling me at all hours of the day and night. I tried at the beginning to deal with them because the debt they are trying to collect is not even mine, it belongs to my ex husband. My name was not even on this credit card even as an authorized user. The last person I actually talked to told me that if I didn’t pay the over $8K credit card bill that they were going to, 1) Repossess my vehicle, 2) Garnish my wages, 3) Freeze my credit – and the kicker was 4) Put a lien against my home. (I live in a rental!!)

• Asset Acceptance used false “Affidavit of Service” to get the default judgment against me. They froze my multiple bank accounts. I am now dealing with them and fighting off in court.

If you’re being harassed by a junk debt buyer, contact an experienced debtor’s right attorney to discuss your situation. Consultations are free, without obligation and are strictly confidential.

Case Studies: Asset Acceptance Corporation – Junk Debt Collection at Its Worst

Case Study 1: Relentless Harassment

John is contacted by Asset Acceptance Corporation regarding an old credit card debt. Despite explaining his financial hardships and offering to work out a payment plan, Asset Acceptance Corporation continues to harass John with relentless phone calls at all hours of the day. They use aggressive and intimidating tactics, making false claims and threats, causing significant distress to John and his family.

Case Study 2: Fabricated Documentation

Sara receives a collection notice from Asset Acceptance Corporation for a debt she doesn’t recognize. She requests proof of the debt, but instead of providing legitimate documentation, Asset Acceptance Corporation sends her fabricated records with inflated amounts. Sara realizes that Asset Acceptance Corporation is engaging in deceptive practices to extort money from her.

Case Study 3: Violation of Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

Mark, after falling behind on his credit card payments, is contacted by Asset Acceptance Corporation. Despite informing them that he is seeking legal representation, Asset Acceptance Corporation continues to call his workplace, disclose his debt to his coworkers, and use aggressive language.

Their actions clearly violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, causing Mark significant emotional distress and jeopardizing his employment.